Air Force Uses Thermal Imaging To Help Locate
Those Buried In Deadly Tornado

By
Steve Hall

May 21, 2013 - Nearly 250 members of the
Oklahoma National Guard, as well as members of
Tinker Air Force Base are assisting with victim
search and security in Moore, Okla., where a
tornado left at least 51 dead, including 20
children, authorities said.

The twister hit Monday, May 20, about 3:15 p.m.
CDT, just three miles south of Tinker. Tinker
Air Force Base officials activated the 507th Air
Refueling Wing Crisis Action Team and initiated
accountability of all personnel assigned to the
wing.

"At this time, we are attempting to determine
the specific impact to our personnel, their
families and the local community," Col. Russell
Muncy, the 507th ARW commander, said in a press
release May 20.

Among National Guard members activated to assist
in relief efforts were Airmen from the 146th Air
Support Operations Squadron from nearby Will
Rogers Air National Guard Base in Oklahoma City.

In a video interview, 2nd Lt. Gabriel Bird said
the unit members carry thermal imaging gear to
help locate those buried in rubble. "Hopefully,
we'll find survivors," Bird said.

Members also carried multi-band radios to
communicate with ground and aircraft crews, and
basic medical supplies, Bird said. "We're a
pretty new unit, so we haven't supported any
state emergencies." But Bird noted that many
squadron members are veterans who have supported
other disaster recovery operations when assigned
to other units.

According to Tinker public affairs, 12 base
firefighters and one safety officer were
dispatched immediately to assist rescue efforts
in the Moore area, and one surgeon was
dispatched to the Oklahoma University Medical
Center.

"In light of the devastating tornadoes that have
hit the Oklahoma City area, I tasked the Airman
and Family Readiness Center to stand up the
Emergency Family Assistance Center 24/7 to
ensure Tinker personnel and their families
receive effective support during this most
difficult time," said Col. Steven Bleymaier,
commander of the 72nd Air Base Wing.

The Moore tornado currently ranked as an EF5, with wind
intensity estimated at 210 miles per hour. Impacting
Moore, Oklahoma and adjacent areas, killing at least 51
people, including 20 children, and injuring more than
240 others. In a news conference the governor said there
were 237 confirmed injuries. The tornado was part of a
larger weather system that had produced several other
tornadoes over the previous two days. The tornado
touched down at 2:45 p.m. CDT, staying on the ground for
approximately 50 minutes over a 17-mile path. The
tornado touched down west of Newcastle and crossed a
heavily populated section of Moore. It was possibly over
1 mile wide at its peak.

Gov. Mary Fallin announced today that the White House
has approved the state's request for disaster assistance
for five Oklahoma counties hit hard by this week’s
deadly tornadoes.

The disaster assistance benefits individuals and
business owners impacted by the severe storms that
occurred May 18 and continuing in Cleveland, Lincoln,
McClain, Oklahoma and Pottawatomie counties.

Gov. Fallin noted with additional damage assessments
other counties could be added to the declaration. The
announcement comes in the wake of three days of
tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding.

“We
very much appreciate the support and quick action of
President Obama in approving Oklahoma's request for
federal disaster assistance in the wake of today's
devastating storms," Governor Fallin said.

The designation
ensures federal assistance for housing repairs or
temporary housing, U.S. Small Business Administration
(SBA) low-interest loans for individuals and businesses
to repair or replace damaged property, disaster
unemployment assistance, and grants for serious needs
and necessary disaster expenses not met by other
programs. Additionally, the declaration grants public
assistance for state and local governments in the five
counties to assist with debris removal and emergency
protective measures to include overtime for first
responders. The declaration also provides direct federal
assistance in the form of bottled water, blankets,
meals-ready-to-eat and other bulk supplies.